Free the Darkness: King's Dark Tidings, Book 1

Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.

Nightblade's Vengeance: Blades of the Fallen, Book 1

In a feudal land, a Kingdom is at risk. With no heir to the fragile throne, its future rests with the powerful members of the dying king's Council, including Minori, a nightblade warrior, and Kiyoshi, a dayblade healer. The two men are bound by the sword but divided by two opposing principles: rule the land, or serve it. In their challenge for supremacy, a spark has been lit. Her name is Asa. Her creed is revenge.

Kin of Kings (The Kin of Kings: Book 1)

The first great war of Ovira is over, and the most hated king in centuries is dead, but his nephew still lives. However, Basen had nothing to do with the destructive war his uncle started. In fact it was his uncle who exiled him and his father to the territory of their enemies, where Basen's dreams of becoming a legendary mage now fade, as he must work all day just to eat. His only chance at regaining some semblance of the life he thought he would lead is to join an elite school that trains, houses, and feeds a thousand new young men and women each year.

The Wolf of the North, Book 1

A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric's life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.

Lusam: The Dragon Mage Wars, Books 1-2

Lusam grew up in the relative safety of the Elveen mountains with his grandmother. She taught him the basics of magic and discovered, quite by accident, that he possessed a unique skill never seen before: the ability to hide his magical aura from the mage-sight of others. Dark secrets surround Lusam's origins, and the dark agents of the Empire will stop at nothing to kill Lusam.

Battle Mage

The world is falling to the burning shadow of the Possessed and only the power of a battle mage can save it. But the ancient bond with dragonkind is failing. Of those that answer a summoning too many are black. Black dragons are the enemy of humankind. Black dragons are mad. Falco Dante is a weakling in a world of warriors, but worse than this, he is the son of a madman. Driven by grief, Falco makes a decision that will drive him to the brink of despair. As he tries to come to terms with his actions Falco follows his friends to the Academy of War.

The Land: Founding: A LitRPG Saga: Chaos Seeds, Book 1

Tricked into a world of banished gods, demons, goblins, sprites and magic, Richter must learn to meet the perils of The Land and begin to forge his own kingdom. Actions have consequences across The Land, with powerful creatures and factions now hell-bent on Richter's destruction. Can Richter forge allegiances to survive this harsh and unforgiving world or will he fall to the dark denizens of this ancient and unforgiving realm? A tale to shake "The Land" itself, measuring 10/10 on the Richter scale, how will Richter's choices shape the future of The Land and all who reside in it? Can he grow his power to meet the deadliest of beings of the land? When choices are often a shade of grey, how will Richter ensure he does not become what he seeks to destroy?

The Safanarion Order Omnibus, Books 1-3

Aaron Jace had a normal life until they came for him. Now he's being hunted. Assassins will stop at nothing to find him. Aaron is from Earth; his family is not. He is the last scion of an ancient and powerful family. Thrust into another world, Aaron must find his way to the one man who can help him survive.
The Safanarion Order includes the first three stories in the captivating epic fantasy series listeners describe as compelling and full of suspense.

The Novice: Summoner, Book 1

Fletcher is nothing more than a humble blacksmith's apprentice when a chance encounter leads to the discovery that he has the ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, he must travel with his demon to the Vocans Academy, where the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. The academy will put Fletcher through a gauntlet of grueling lessons, training him as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire's war against the savage orcs.

Path of The Calm: Saga of The Wolf, Book 1

The young world of Onneron has known peace for years. But now unease has spread across the land as disagreements between factions threaten each other's way of life. The Brothers of the Onneron College dedicate themselves to higher learning and to mastering Paths of magic. They wish to remain independent, but the Onneron Church feels threatened by their ability to heal and vies to take control of their order. Treace, bullied and belittled, is unaware of the plan his deceased father has for him.

The Mountains Rise: Embers of Illeniel, Book 1

**See author's note on adult content below.** From the dark depths of the past, comes the tale of the first wizard of Illeniel. Daniel Tennick lived simply, a young shepherd with few troubles and little to occupy his mind, until the warden appeared. Daniel's power awakens, and he finds himself hunted by the servants of the cruel and uncaring forest gods. Trapped by his gift, Daniel will uncover the secrets of the deep woods and those who live there, a civilization created from the grave of an older one.

Dungeon Born: Divine Dungeon Series, Book 1

For eons, conquering dungeons has been the most efficient way to become a strong adventurer. Although not everything is as straightforward as it seems. Several questions have always plagued the minds of those who enter these mythical places of power: why are there so many monsters? Where do the amazing weaponry and heavy gold coins come from? Why does the very air fill with life-giving energies? Cal has all of the answers to these age-old questions, for a very simple reason. He is a Dungeon Heart.

The Society of the Sword Trilogy

When Soren is plucked from the streets and given a place at the prestigious academy of swordsmanship, he thinks his dream of being a great swordsman has become a possibility. However, with great intrigues unfolding all around him, Soren discovers that he is little more than a pawn to the ambitions of others.

Sufficiently Advanced Magic: Arcane Ascension, Book 1

Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.

Rise of the Ranger: Echoes of Fate, Book 1

Mankind has lorded over the land of Illian for a thousand years, enjoying what was left to them by the elves, as if it were their birthright. A thousand years is a long time for an immortal race to see the error of their ways and realize a truth that has remained unsaid for a millennia - elves are superior! They are faster, stronger, and connected to the magical world in a way that man could never grasp. Illian is their birthright. The six kingdoms of man are fractured, unallied and always clawing at each other's doors for more power.

Spellmonger: Spellmonger, Book 1

Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well: He found a quaint little shop, he befriended the local lord, the village folk loved him, he found a sharp young apprentice to help out, and, best yet, he met a comely young widow with the prettiest eyes.

The Blacksmith's Son: Mageborn, Book 1

Mordecai's simple life as the son of a blacksmith is transformed by the discovery of his magical birthright. As he journeys to understand the power within him he is drawn into a dangerous plot to destroy the Duke of Lancaster and undermine the Kingdom of Lothion. Love and treachery combine to embroil him in events he was never prepared to face. What he uncovers will change his understanding of the past, and alter the future of those around him.

Skyborn

The first in an all-new fantasy series from rising star David Dalglish. The last remnants of humanity live on six islands floating high above the Endless Ocean, fighting a brutal civil war in the skies. The Seraphim, elite soldiers trained for aerial combat, battle one another while wielding elements of ice, fire and lightning. The lives of their parents claimed in combat, twins Kale and Breanna Skyborn enter the Seraphim Academy to follow in their footsteps.

Warrior: The War Chronicles, Book 1

Demon spawn, they call him. Evil seed of the UnNamed One. Lirak wonders if they might be right. Sent on a holy quest to test his prophetic dreams, he returns to find his people scattered or slaughtered. Ruthless invaders and their dread warlocks spread death and destruction across the land. Before he can lead the remnants of his people in vengeance, Lirak must win their trust. But blades and arrows alone will not defeat this enemy.

Battlemage

"I can command storms, summon fire, and unmake stone. Animals have nothing interesting to say, and no one can see the future because it has not been written," growled Balfruss. "It's dangerous to meddle with things you don't understand." When you fight magic with magic, nothing is certain. Balfruss is a battlemage, one of a vanishing breed, sworn to fight and die for a country that fears and despises him.

The Dark Ability

Rsiran is a disappointment to his family, gifted with the ability to Slide. It is a dark magic, one where he can transport himself wherever he wants, but using it will only turn him into the thief his father fears. Forbidden from Sliding, he's apprenticed under his father as a blacksmith where lorcith, a rare, precious metal with arcane properties, calls to him, seducing him into forming forbidden blades. When discovered, he's banished, sentenced indefinitely to the mines of Ilphaesn Mountain.

The Reign of Magic: Pentamuria Saga, Book 1

Pentamuria, the world of five kingdoms, is in a time of change. The power of the nobles and mages is threatened. War is upon them, although they do not know yet when or with whom. Thus, the mages are gathering in their capital, Ringwall, to prepare together against any possible enemy. At this time, the orphan boy Nill is found by the Druids. He possesses considerable magical skills. So he is taken to Ringwall, where he is to be trained in the magical arts alongside his fellow students. Nill, an outsider, shows no respect for the traditions of the magical world.

Cephrael's Hand: A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1

In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....

Star Child: Places of Power

Powers are determined by geographic birth locations, and only the rich and powerful are permitted access to prized sites. SC is the first person born in space. The punishment for unauthorized births is death. Out of fear, SC keeps his strange abilities as his darkest secret. But when his mother is kidnapped by an unknown organization, SC has no choice but to act.

Publisher's Summary

Ryuu is a boy orphaned by violence at a young age. Found by a wandering warrior, he learns he may have more strength than he ever imagined possible.

A quiet child, Moriko is forced into a monastic system she despises. Torn from her family and the forest she grew up in, she must fight to learn the skills she'll need to survive her tutelage under the realm's most dangerous assassin.

Young, beautiful, and broke, Takako is sold to pay for her father's debts. Thrust into a world she doesn't understand and battles she didn't ask for, she must decide where her loyalties lie.

When their lives crash together in a kingdom on the brink of war, the decisions they make will change both their lives and their kingdom forever.

Not sure I would, the Japanese references are a bit grating and the language of the dialogue very stilted. The start of the book especially when dealing with what are supposed to be 5 years old is ridiculous. Note to Author, if the boy is 5 years old he should speak like a 5 year old and think like a 5 year old not like someone who looked up alternative words in their cheap online Thesaurus. Very grating - it is a bit better now that the characters are older. But motivations are not thought through properly. The only thing that is keeping me going is the Story line.

Would you be willing to try another book from Ryan Kirk? Why or why not?

Maybe the second book in the series. I will see if there is something better.

What didn’t you like about Andrew Tell’s performance?

Just because the book has Japanese references does not mean that you have to read everything in a stilted Japanese mob type manner. Also it might be better if Andrew could pronounce some of the words properly. Perhaps someone with a larger active vocabulary might have been better.

Do you think Nightblade needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It already has one.

Any additional comments?

I keep thinking I could do better than this. Arrogant perhaps, but indicative of the level this book is at. The story line is quite interesting, hence the perseverance, but when you ask your self repeatedly how this got the approval of the publisher whilst listening you know its not the best.

this book really took me by sirprise i was searching for a book to buy and thought i had allready read most of the good onesi bought this one without expecting too muchbut it really blew me away and robbed me of sleep.brent weeks has a great trilogy about a fighter and this surpasses itif you like michael j sullivan you will love this i love brandon sanderson and i really found this book to my taste.so if u like any of those authors or gentlemen bastards series or the name of the wind which are classics then this book will grip you as it has kept me ip till 4am and now im going to download the next installmentnote to other reviewers. note that there are no spoilers and that i have not used all the bull jargon that some can not stop using ...trying to make it look like they are so clever...these are fantasy fiction not shakesperewe love them cause they are exciting ,mystical and they provide us with an escape where our minds can leave our surroundings and enter the fantastical tales that these authors have createdwe are not reading these books to be educated and we are not afraid (most of us) to admit thatwe are here because these books are fun and we love themso please please review without spoilers or be so patronising and trying to review like your english teacher is marking u.be realTHIS BOOK IS COOL

Nightblade represents a whole year spent taking chances on books I’ve never heard of, all with the hopes of finding new authors and hidden gems. Some didn’t turn out that way but most turned out to be excellent and fun choices. Nightblade is truly one of those gems.

Instead of your run of the mill, European based fantasy we are treated to a world with Japanese/Chinese parallels with a very rich history. The land is split into three main Kingdoms, with other nations surrounding that, and each has a tenuous and fragile peace with the other. But our story takes place on a smaller more personal scale. Ryuu isn’t tasked with changing the world or bringing peace to a set of kingdoms, instead he us simply trying to live a life where he can use his strength to protect those without choice or means of doing so themselves…which is refreshing after reading so many books where the main character sets out to utterly dismantle the status quo. I think that difference really brings the raw emotion of the experiences he goes through to the forefront. The kingdom itself is oddly beautiful despite it’s issues and the author’s skill with building worlds is fairly apparent. I could see the busy streets of the city, and the shadow streets of the red lit road where men go for companionship, I could easily picture the old forest and stone paved courtyard of the monasteries. One can go a long time without experiencing world building on a scale where everything becomes an actual sensory memory, as opposed to just a plot line, and I never realize how starved I am until I find one.

Ryuu is definitely a fantastic character to follow, as is Moriko and Takako…who all come together in different ways. Each of them shares the loss of their family and the chance of a normal life but the way the view the world is different. Ryuu is headstrong and curious, and he wants to help others no matter what and most of the story centers around each consequence of his actions and the weight it puts on a single person. While he is skilled and hardened in many ways in some others he is a bit naive, which joins nicely with Takako’s loving personality and her knowledge of what the world is really like.

Nightblade is definitely a highlight to this year’s books, and I’m glad I took a chance on it when I did.

46 of 48 people found this review helpful

James

Houston

22/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Cliche and predicable with robotic narration"

With all of the positive reviews I was expecting a lot more out of this book.

The narration struck me first. The narrator is emotionless and robotic. The times that he does try to put an emotional inflection to the dialog the result is often the opposite of what the book explicitly states as the manor or emotion the character is experiencing. Long pauses when switching between the speech of characters gives it the feel of badly dubbed old anime.

The dialog is so full of cliches that it become painful.

It author tries to create layers to the characters' personalities, but I believe he fails. The emotions or thoughts that he writes a charter is feeling is often contradicted by their immediate actions without any justification or explanation for the change.

I would not recommend this book.

15 of 17 people found this review helpful

Helen Foster-Turner

Harrow, Greater London, UK

22/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"If you like Manga tropes you will love it!"

I don't! I found the characters very formulaic and I had a stacato Manga film running in my head as I listened to it. Personally I found it lacked innovation, I didn't care about the characters particularly either. It felt like it was written for 12 year olds boys and maybe it was, am then definitely not it's target audience.

The reader was OK.

13 of 15 people found this review helpful

Matthew Van Buskirk

26/01/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Entertaining but simplistic"

I enjoyed the book but the writing needed a bit more editing and the narrator sounded like he was half asleep. I don't regret buying it though.

12 of 14 people found this review helpful

Steve H. Caldwell

Tacoma, WA

04/01/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Excellent new fantasy!"

First thing, this is an adult fantasy. While not grimdark, it is more oriented to adults, with violence, rape and other adult themes. That being said, those parts are organic to the story, not gratuitous. There are 3 different storylines following 3 different characters, who proceed through a series of tragedies in their lives that shape their futures. Ryuu watches his parents murder at the hand of bandits, and is rescued by a warrior passing by, who happens to be a banned Nightblade, kind of a magic using warrior/assassin. He decides to train Ryuu, who he senses has a lot of power. Ryuu spends years training with his master, building mastery of his skills, all while avoiding the monks who convert or kill all Sense (the magic) users.Moriko is taken by the monks as a child, to be raised in a monastary, with harsh discipline and an austere life. She is physically abused, as are all the novices, and trainined to use her power to sense magic users. Her magic is differnt, though, being more like Ryuu's. She is then trained by an assassin to use the power offensively. Takako is sold by her father to a brothel to pay for his debts. She is groomed for years for the part, but a General has plans that include her being a consort for his son that derail her plans. The crossing of Ryuu and Takako sets off a chain of events That will change everything, and when Moriko crosses thir path, you can feel the strings of fate shifting.The plot is fast moving after the initial introductions, with a lot of action and some well drawn out fight scenes. The magic is fresh and fairly original, without being too overwhelming. The setting, the Three Kindoms, is somewhat underdrawn as far as the Northern and Western kingdoms, but the Southern Kingdom is well described. This is just a minor thing. The characters are a real strength, being interesting and engaging, if not always likable. The villains are well drawn out, with realistic motivations for their actions. Andrew Tell, who I had never heard previously, does a great job narrating, really differntiating the characters and bringing the story to life. Any fan of Anthony Ryan.s Blood Song books should enjoy this book.

I was given a review copy of this book by the narrator at no cost in return for an honest review through Audiobookblast dot com.

24 of 29 people found this review helpful

Carter

25/06/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Could be better"

The reading is too monotone, because of that the voices for the characters seem out of place. That makes it had to connect with the characters. There are also a few contradictions in the book that are annoying when they pop up.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

R. Madden

VA

19/01/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Superb"

Where does Nightblade rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 3

What did you like best about this story?

The entire thing.

Have you listened to any of Andrew Tell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. He is wonderful!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sensing Death

Any additional comments?

This book was fantastic! It was everything I could have hoped for. This was one of the best stories I have read in the past couple years. I have no complaints other than there being no sequel... YET.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Shawn

Sinking Spring, PA, United States

31/03/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"How does this have a high rating?"

I think I have listened to over 200 books on audible. I usually give a 4 or 5, rare occasions a 3 star rating. This book was horrible. The dialog is written very poorly, making mistake after mistake. There is a lot of "telling" and little action; the author constantly fails to describe what is going on, and simply summarizes everything. This simply exacerbates the issues with the dialog, as often the characters say and do things that are just....dumb. The characters are all carbon copies of each other, have zero depth and are just robots acting out the poorly designed scenes. The story appears to be fan fiction based on the video game Ninja Gaiden. Seriously. I am blown away by how bad this was, it was painful to finish, and please God do not listen to the other reviews, the must all be written by 5 year olds.

18 of 23 people found this review helpful

Ethan

27/05/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic Fantasy Story!"

(This review does NOT contain spoilers.)

What you have in store ~+ Amazing, Oriental inspired combat scenes+ Intricate characters, each with realistic motivation, goals and actions+ An alive, complex world setting+ Interesting "magic" system, which is subtle enough to keep the reader immersed.+ Lightheartedness when it's appropriate, but extremely serious, detailed and sullen moments as well+ Gritting your teeth at the tough moments, smiling in the happy ones

Overall ~Nightblade is a story of three children connected by fate with the ability to change the world. Their paths are clear from early on, and while each character has very different experiences, the reader/listener can feel them coming together. Characters, actions, combat, the setting, everything seems very real and immersive. I grew very attached to all three, and found it hard to put down the headphones. After finishing the book last night, I am very satisfied and just purchased the sequel.

Brief description ~This story follows the separate lives of three children who grow up under very different circumstances. Two of them are blessed with an rare ability known as the Sense, considered a gift by some but a threat to most. The two become highly skilled in combat, which is beautifully depicted by the author. Our third character is unfairly thrown into an awful life, and quickly becomes adapted to their poor environment. Our characters develope deeply and each chapter of their lives has a real impact on the world in some way.

Writing and Performance ~Ryan Kirk has a great writing style which is complimented by Andrew Tell (narrator) perfectly. It's a bit hard to explain, but both do an awesome job in their roles so I'll leave it at that. Kirk is able to paint amazing scenes of combat, portray characters' feelings, and use just the right amount of detail. Enough to make you grit your teeth at a character in pain, but not enough to turn you off completely.

Final thoughts ~In this review, I've restated several times the feeling of "realism", which is a bit uncommon in this genre. Everything feels natural and the reader can become very immersed in this complete world. I felt like the ending was complete, yet I am very happy to know sequel exists and look forward to listening.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading this review and I hope you enjoy Nightblade as much as I did!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

B. Willams

CT

05/03/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Not as good as the reviews"

I have no idea where all the positive reviews came from for this book. It really sounds like a rough draft of a book and not a finished product. The narrative is relentlessly third person with very little dialog making it very hard the get to know or empathize with the characters. The author tells rather then shows. A large number of the characters and places don't even have names just 'the merchant' or 'the butcher'. Same with place names. All in all its a very 2 dimensional world with almost no color or detail. A few of the characters have vaguely Japanese names but the places do not, and the culture, what we see of it does not resemble anything recognizeably Japanese. The story itself is ok but nothing terribly original or unexpected. Overall very disappointing.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

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